Ancient Family History

Apparently from Middle English a(u)ncien(t) ‘ancient aged (person)’ a borrowing of Anglo-Norman a(u)ncien auncion anchien. Medieval evidence for the name is elusive however.

In the 1332 Subsidy Rolls for Lincs, Thomas Ancoyne (a mis-spelling or mis-reading of Anceyne?) is assessed for tax in Burton Pedwardine 13 miles from Boston, where the modern surname is first recorded.

However, the link between these names is uncertain. Ancient may alternatively be a variant of another unidentified name altered by folk etymology.